Gov. Bassey Otu at the endorsement on Tuesday.
By Anietie Akpan
The Cross River State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) enlarged caucus has endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Bassey Otu for a second term in office.
A release from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nsa Gill, said the endorsement was carried out in a meeting on Tuesday evening at the Hogis Royale Hotel in Calabar, bringing together the crème de la crème of the party to deliberate on the state’s political trajectory and governance progress.
The high-level gathering featured a stellar array of political heavyweights, including former Governor Clement Ebri, Dame Princess Florence Ita-Giwa, Senator Eteng Jonah Williams, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, , Rt. Hon. Mike Etaba, and the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Senator John Owan Enoh, Prof. Eyo Etim Nyong, Ada Bekwarra Omang Idiege.
One after the other, these party stalwarts extolled Governor Otu’s remarkable strides in just under two years—particularly in infrastructure, security, education, healthcare, aviation, and agriculture.
In a unanimous decision, the expanded caucus passed a vote of confidence and endorsed President Bola Tinubu, GCFR, Governor Otu, and Deputy Governor Rt. Hon. Peter Odey for a second term in office come 2027.
Speakers praised President Tinubu’s bold leadership and economic reform agenda at the national level, while even more resounding applause was reserved for Governor Otu, whose “People First” governance style was described as transformative.
To formalize the endorsements, Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South Senatorial District, moved the motion for the governor’s second-term bid, seconded by Hon. John Ulafor.
Similarly, Hon. Victor Abang, representing Ikom/Boki Federal Constituency, moved the motion in favor of President Tinubu’s re-election, which was seconded by Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Speaker of the State House of Assembly.
A communiqué was issued at the end of the meeting, chaired by the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Stephen Odey.
The Enlarged CRS; APC caucus.
The drafting committee included Dr. Odey himself, Hon. Emmanuel Edem Inyang (APC State Publicity Secretary), Dr. Alice Ekwu (former Commissioner for Climate Change), Hon. Lawrencia Ita (Commissioner for Establishment), and Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong (Member representing Boki II in the House of Assembly).
Among the key resolutions, the communiqué called for the immediate formation of a high-powered delegation of eminent Cross Riverians—led by Governor Otu and his deputy—to engage President Tinubu in Abuja over the perceived marginalization of the state in federal appointments and infrastructural considerations.
The stakeholders also expressed profound gratitude to the President for approving and initiating the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and the Special Agro-Processing Zone project in Cross River, describing them as transformational efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda that will positively impact generations to come.
Governor Otu’s consistent efforts to curb insecurity across the state were also lauded as Stakeholders encouraged him to sustain the current security architecture, which they noted has been instrumental in restoring calm and stability to many communities.
The caucus further emphasized the need for regular engagement between government and key stakeholders to promote synergy, deepen governance, and foster inclusive development across all sectors.
Above all, the expanded caucus reaffirmed that unity within the party is paramount and resolved to bridge all gaps, strengthen internal cohesion, and maintain APC’s dominance as the leading political force in Cross River State.
In his remarks, Governor Otu thanked the stakeholders for their steadfast support and solidarity. He reiterated that his focus remains on delivering his campaign promises, unbothered by political distractions or opposition theatrics.
“My preoccupation is to fulfill the mandate freely given to me by Cross Riverians. I urge everyone to join me in building a better state rather than indulge in divisive politics,” the governor stated.
He concluded with a firm pledge: “By 2031, I will leave Cross River State significantly better than I met it—economically stronger, more secure, and filled with opportunities for all.”